People have been posting videos of all sorts of styles, but very few of the weapon forms. The staff, of whatever size, is the weapon almost every culture has in common. Post videos of various staff styles to compare here.These are all Long Staff forms (Bo)

That's interesting. Katori shinto ryu was founded in the middle of the 15th century, one of the oldest Japanese schools. If they are the "originals", their staff technique may be where some of the jo techniques came from. Muso Gonnosuke, who was said to have been inspired to create the jo techniques after his defeat by Miyamoto Musashi, was a student of the shinto school.

The staff is one of my favourite weapons and the only one I extensively work with. For various reasons I've ended up just dabbling over the years with different styles however the staff is something I pick up regularly and spin round and find things to do with. Sadly I can't locate anyone else local to me (Bristol, UK) who also works with the staff (any style). Currently I've got 2 red oak staffs and a graphite screw in half version (just acquired, great for practicing awkward tricks).

Was searching for dense woods to have a new staff made from-this strictly would be for endurance/strength training rather than sparring. Thanks for the video links, I've been after media on the subject for a while.

One thing I do like is to practice "tricks", spins, passing behind my back stuff like that. I'm not practicing to be a top staff fighter, I just enjoy the feel of using it, spinning it and doing moves in general. If anyone's got any info they can point me towards regarding such I'd be immensely grateful.

Apologies for not replying earlier. I'm not qualified to comment, really, as I am a beginner and only trained in one style (Matayoshi Kobudo). Personally, I found the Okinawan videos most interesting, and always enjoy watching Japanese Koryu! Choun no kon was the only kata I was familiar with, and I thought it was done nice and crisp. However, I've been taught the 't-stance' move differently...with a higher stance/more power.

Staff is my primary interest...but right now is suffering due to a shoulder injury. Most of the katas I learn are heavily 'right handed'...so now I am trying to work the traditional katas from the left side.

Quote:No one has anything to share? No comments, or videos, or anything? Is the staff a primary part of anyone's training?

The spinning "tricks" have the use of making you more familiar with the staff, I think that's about it. Some spins are also components of classical Chinese forms. It does enable you to change directions, switch hands, and generally intimidate and hold at bay someone who might want to get close to you. For me, the spinning is more about learning to handle the staff, becoming so familiar with it that it moves without you needing to consciously aware of how it moves...the way you move your arm or leg.